[mimi01]

Hello,
We are just starting out considering adoption. I have my heart set on Korea. I'm wondering about the health requirements for the adoptive parents. What type of medical conditions are considered unacceptable? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Oops - forgot to ask: What are the medical forms that the adoptive parents must complete like? Is it just a statement from a Dr. saying your health is good or does it ask for specific diagnosis? Thanks again.

[nancyinoh]

I think it depends a lot on your state requirements. I'm don't know what medical conditions are unacceptable, if any.
We had to have our doc fill out that we were in good health, and any specific diagnoses of chronic problems.
Some states require bloodwork for testing.

Good luck!

[teachamy]

The form provided by your agency/homestudy agency asks general questions about health, chronic problems, bloodpressure, temperature, height, weight,(height/weight/BMI doesn't affect Holt, but apparently is considered by some of the other agencies if the parents are obese) a basic check-off list of conditions and body system function, heart, thyroid, etc. etc. I am diabetic and in excellent control, and I had no problems. (I was a little nervous that maybe they'd exclude me.) If you do have any chronic conditions, I imagine it is helpful for your doctor to add that you are in good health. See if your agency/prospective agency would e-mail you a copy of the medical form. Maybe it will help you relax a little?
Good luck,
Amy

[carrie965]

I was asking this question, when I was beginning to do research. I'm diabetic and had real concerns. BUT, I asked the agency if they allowed diabetics to adopt and the answer was that if you're in good health and your doctor signed your 'physical form" favorable...he/she has to state something to the effect that you have a normal life expenctancy...then everything would be a go. Our social worker also was sure to talk with us about my medical needs to make sure that I'd be able to see to both my needs and the baby's needs. It wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be, and I was very relieved, as I was very worried in the beginning. I guess my advice would be to ask the agency before you even send in the first application. Better to know than to wonder. Hope that long explanation helps
Carrie

[jchrapcyn]

hmm I posted a reply but it's gone

Some agencies have a weight requirement- ours did not.

DH has diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His doctor wrote a statement with the medical form that said none of these conditions would prevent him from parenting an adopted child. We didn't have any problems.

We looked into China first and the requirements were much more stringent.